Hannah senses something is off at the family dinner, especially when her mother-in-law, Eleanor, pulls out a mysterious envelope. The tension rises as Eleanor reveals the shocking DNA test results of Hannah’s daughter. What lengths will Hannah go to protect her family if Eleanor’s actions threaten to tear it apart? I sat at the table, nervously picking at my food. Eleanor sat across from me, watching me with cold eyes. Every time we had a family dinner, it felt like walking on eggshells.
My husband Jonathan’s parents were staying with us because their house was undergoing renovations. She made subtle jabs at me throughout the meal, criticizing my cooking, my housekeeping, and anything else she could think of. I tried to smile and nod, but my heart wasn’t in it. Jonathan looked stressed but didn’t say much either, trying to keep the peace. Meanwhile, our daughter, Lily, sat beside me, blissfully unaware of the tension. At four years old, she was more interested in her mashed potatoes than the adults’ conversation. Her innocence was a small comfort amidst the uncomfortable atmosphere.
Her movements were sharp, almost theatrical, drawing everyone’s attention. She pulled an envelope from her bag, her smile growing malicious. “I have something to share with everyone,” she announced, pulling out a document from the envelope.
She glanced at me, her eyes gleaming with a kind of cruel delight. “I secretly did a DNA test to check Lily’s paternity with Robert,” she continued. The room fell silent. My heart pounded in my chest, my breath catching in my throat. Eleanor has always suspected me of cheating. I don’t know why she hates me so much, but she’s always been against Jonathan and my marriage.
I glanced at Jonathan, who looked as confused as I felt. Eleanor opened the envelope and read aloud, “The test results confirm that Lily is not Robert’s granddaughter.” Gasps echoed around the table. I felt like the ground had opened beneath me. Jonathan’s face turned white. “What are you saying, Mother?” he demanded, his voice shaking. Eleanor sneered, “It means that Hannah has been unfaithful. Lily is not your daughter.”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My vision blurred with tears as I looked around the table. Robert, Jonathan’s father, looked shocked but said nothing. “That’s not true,” I managed to say, my voice trembling. “I’ve never been unfaithful to Jonathan. Lily is our daughter!” Eleanor scoffed. “The test doesn’t lie, Hannah. You’ve been caught. It’s time to admit the truth.”
Jonathan looked at me, his eyes searching mine. “Hannah, is this… did you…?” “No!” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “There’s no chance. I love you, Jonathan, and I’ve never cheated on you!” Jonathan seemed torn, glancing between his mother and me. The room felt suffocating. Lily tugged on my sleeve, her innocent eyes wide with confusion. “Mommy, why is Grandma yelling?”